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Skunk between Longmont and Berthoud tests positive for rabies

By Pierrette J. ShieldsLongmont Times-Call

Posted:
04/09/2013 11:32:18 AM MDT

Updated:
04/09/2013 11:50:00 AM MDT

(Times-Call file)

LONGMONT -- The discovery of a dead rabid skunk outside of a Larimer County home Friday prompted a warning from Boulder County public health officials that rabies cases this year are pacing at four times the rate of last season.

The skunk was discovered outside of a home along Larimer County Road 2, between Berthoud and Longmont near the Boulder County line.

Boulder County Public Health reported on Tuesday that 32 animals have tested positive for rabies statewide this season, including 28 skunks, one bat, one fox, one raccoon and one cat. Of those, the bat was found in Boulder County and 15 other animals were found in neighboring counties. Only eight animals tested positive for rabies by the same time last season.

Boulder County Public Health environmental heath specialist Carol McInnes said in a prepared statement that the resident who discovered the skunk reacted appropriately by reporting the animal's death so it could be tested and by keeping all of her domestic pets and livestock current on rabies vaccinations.

Public health officials noted that unvaccinated pets that contact rabid animals must either be euthanized or vaccinated and held at a veterinary facility for 90 days followed by 90 days of home confinement. The process can be expensive. Vaccinated animals that come into contact with an animal positive for rabies need a booster and a 45-day home observation period.

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While rabies in Colorado is most common in bats, more ground-dwelling animals have tested positive in recent years, according to heath officials.

Animal control can investigate any suspected rabies cases.

Rabies exposure typically results after a bite from an infected animal, which can be undetectable. For instance, a small puncture from a bat bite can be difficult to see. Any bite should be thoroughly washed with soap and water, according to public health guidelines. Treatment includes a series of immunizations administered over a two-week period. Untreated rabies is nearly always fatal because there is no cure.

For more information on rabies, visit bouldercountyvector.org. Longmont animal control can be reached by calling dispatch at 303-651-8501.

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